Get ready, world! The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are about to break new ground—literally. Breaking, the dynamic and electrifying urban dance form, is set to make its Olympic debut, and it's going to be nothing short of spectacular.

Paris 2024 will feature breaking as an official event for the first time, joining skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing as one of the four new sports. This exciting addition follows breaking's stellar debut at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, where it captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

On August 9 and 10, La Concorde Urban Park in Paris will transform into the ultimate battleground for 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls, who will compete in solo battles for the first-ever Olympic breaking medals. Expect to witness bodies contorted in mind-bending moves, gravity-defying spins, and freeze-frame moments that will leave you breathless—all to the beat of pulsating music.

The road to Paris 2024 is intense and thrilling. The journey kicks off with the 2023 WDSF World Championships, where the top B-Boy and B-Girl will earn a direct ticket to the Olympics. The stakes are high at the continental meets across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, where the highest-ranked breakers will secure their spots. Finally, the Olympic Qualifier Series will offer the last chance for these incredible dancers to showcase their skills and book their place in history.

Breaking originated in the 1970s in the United States, deeply rooted in hip-hop culture and pioneered by the legendary DJ Kool Herc (Clive Campbell). Its first international competition was held in New York in the 1990s, and it has since evolved into a global phenomenon.

Countries gearing up to showcase their best talent include the USA, Japan, China, France, Australia, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, Norway, Italy, Canada, Poland, Colombia, and many more.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, praised the inclusion of breaking, calling it an "outstanding success for us all." He added, "Breaking is easy to take up, and participants form a community that is very active on social media." Bach highlighted the sport's unique blend of acrobatic movements, stylized footwork, and the crucial roles of the DJ and MC during battles.

Jeffrey Louis (B-Boy Jeffro), ranked fifth in the world, expressed his excitement: “This is a chance for us to grow and educate people on breaking. If we get it right, we can create something unstoppable. We can’t let it pass us up again, because the first time breaking blew up, it fizzled out.”

The USA is poised to be a powerhouse in this new Olympic sport. "We’re the front-runners," said Tyquan Hodac, USA Dance's breaking communications director, in an interview with NBC Olympics. "Every other country is looking up to us." Already, U.S. breakers Sunny Choi (B-Girl Sunny) and Victor Montalvo (B-Boy Victor) have qualified. Currently, B-Boy Phil Wizard from Canada and B-Girl Ami Yuasa from Japan lead the world rankings.

Get ready to witness history in the making as breaking takes the Olympic stage by storm. Paris 2024 is set to be a groundbreaking event that will captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of sports. Don’t miss a beat!